The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. The trials resulted in the executions of twenty people, fourteen of them being women, and the imprisonment of many others. It remains one of the most notorious cases of mass hysteria and injustice in American history. The accusations began in the small village of Salem, when a group of young girls began exhibiting strange behavior. They claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several women in the community of being witches. This sparked widespread panic and fear, leading to the arrest and trials of numerous individuals.
Sewing pins that were used as “evidence” in Nurse’s trial. During the witch-trials, it was reported that they were used by “witches” to torture their victims. (Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)
Check out the following titles The Great Gatsby Ransom of Red Chief Their Eyes Were Watching God Speak The Hunger Games Frankenstein Beowulf Mark Twain Biography Edgar Allan Poe Biography Shakespeare Documentary Martin Luther King, Jr. More recent research has determined that the hangings actually took place at Proctor s Ledge, which is located between modern-day Proctor Street and Pope Street in Salem, Massachusetts.
This sparked widespread panic and fear, leading to the arrest and trials of numerous individuals. The trials were conducted in a highly religious and superstitious society, where belief in witches and witchcraft was prevalent. The legal system at the time allowed spectral evidence, which meant that the testimony of the afflicted girls, who claimed to see witches in their dreams or visions, was allowed in court as evidence against the accused.
Salem Witch Trials Documentary, Complete Viewing Unit, Questions/Activities
The Teacher-Author indicated this resource includes assets from Google Workspace (e.g. docs, slides, etc.).
What educators are saying
This was a great resource to supplement an APUSH lesson on the Salem Witch Trials. I particularly liked the "eulogy" assignment at the end as it required students to analyze both primary and secondary sources to write about a victim of their choosing.
— Savannah V. Rated 5 out of 5Great resource to help set up historical context in understanding the elements of the time period before reading crucible
— Diana B. Rated 5 out of 5 See all reviewsDescription
There are two activities in this pack to introduce your students to the events of the Salem Witch Trials, to supplement your Crucible or American History lesson, as an emergency sub plan, or even for a quick Halloween lesson. They can be used consecutively or independently. Student Experience: As students watch the documentary, the questions included on the viewing guide hold students accountable for the material they see in the documentary. I’ve provided a short answer version of the questions and a multiple choice version as well. Following the documentary, students will examine the stories of victims of the Salem Witch Trials and write a eulogy. Included: - Teacher's guide - Active viewing, short answer questions, PDF and Digital for Google - Multiple Choice Questions/Quiz, PDF - In Search of History Primary and Secondary Sources Short Research Project and Creative Writing Task, PDF and Digital for google - Super Simple Sub Sheet - Answers *Access to the documentary required. **Note: This viewing guide is included in my Crucible Unit Plan. Classroom success stories from other teachers who have loved this resource: ♥ "I loved that this one asks students to think about the material but isn't so invasive that they feel they are just answering questions without an opportunity to actually enjoy the information. Loved the layout and the alternative format--can be used as a formative assessment, admit slip, or review!" ♥ "GREAT resource! You can use it in class, or leave it for a sub. Directions for a sub are included! I love the questions - they're not just on a page numbered 1, 2, 3, etc, but are very creatively placed on the page. As if that's not enough, a quiz is also included. Very nice!" ♥ "Great activity for assessment for understanding after reading the play! Very comprehensive and easy to follow for students. Also great for sub work!" ♥ "This caught my students' attention. I love all of your work. Thank you for the time and effort put into each one--it shows." Looking for more interesting and engaging movie guides to make showing film in class more rigorous? Check out the following titles: The Great Gatsby Ransom of Red Chief Their Eyes Were Watching God Speak The Hunger Games Frankenstein Beowulf Mark Twain Biography Edgar Allan Poe Biography Shakespeare Documentary Martin Luther King, Jr. Documentary Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches. Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to FOLLOW ME. Voila! You will now receive email updates about my store. For more ideas and inspiration: Faulkner's Fast Five Blog Julie's Classroom Stories on Instagram Julie's Classroom Stories on Facebook Teaching Middle and High School English Facebook Group Yearbook and Journalism Facebook Group Pinterest Terms of Use: Please one classroom use only. Not to be shared online without proper security. Additional licenses sold at a discount at checkout. All images and art documented inside file. Updated 2023
Total Pages 9 pages Answer Key Included Teaching Duration 90 minutes Report this resource to TPTReported resources will be reviewed by our team. Report this resource to let us know if this resource violates TPT’s content guidelines.
Standards
to see state-specific standards (only available in the US). CCSS CCRA.R.7Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
CCSS CCRA.W.2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
The trials were marked by controversy and unfairness. Many of the accused were subjected to harsh interrogations and torture to extract confessions. The proceedings were characterized by mass hysteria, with people being accused based on mere rumors and hearsay. Those who refused to confess were often condemned to death, while those who admitted to being witches were spared or given lesser punishments. The Salem witch trials documentary explores the events of this dark chapter in American history. It provides a detailed account of the trials, the individuals involved, and the cultural and religious context in which they occurred. The documentary sheds light on the social, political, and psychological factors that contributed to the hysteria and mass accusations. Through interviews with historians, scholars, and descendants of those involved, the documentary offers insights into the motivations and fears that drove the accusations. It examines the role of gender, power, and religious fanaticism in the trials, as well as the lasting impact they had on the community. By examining the Salem witch trials in a historical and sociological context, the documentary aims to educate viewers about the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process in the justice system. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked fear and prejudice, and the need for safeguards to protect the rights of individuals. Overall, the Salem witch trials documentary provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of one of the darkest periods in American history. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of intolerance and the importance of upholding justice and fairness..
Reviews for "The Psychology of Hysteria: A Documentary on Mass Psychogenic Illness in the Salem Witch Trials"
1. John - 1 star
I found the Salem witch trials documentary to be incredibly dull and unengaging. The information provided was presented in a monotonous manner, making it difficult to maintain interest. Additionally, the documentary seemed to lack depth and failed to properly explore the historical and cultural context of the events. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend it to others.
2. Jessica - 2 stars
While I appreciate the effort put into creating a documentary on the Salem witch trials, I was left feeling underwhelmed. The documentary lacked a cohesive structure, jumping between different aspects of the trials without proper transitions. As a viewer, I was hoping for a more in-depth analysis of the events and the impact they had on society. Instead, I felt like I was watching a superficial overview without any real substance.
3. Robert - 2 stars
Although I am interested in the Salem witch trials, this documentary failed to capture my attention. The pacing was slow, and it felt like the same information was being repeated over and over again. I was hoping for a more comprehensive exploration of the trials, including the social dynamics and psychological factors at play. Unfortunately, this documentary fell short in providing a nuanced perspective and left me wanting more substantial content.